NGOs Donning the Role of Equalising Society
Society is a beautifully sculpted concept fusing diversity at the core of its existence. To maintain the balance amongst such melange NGOs are as important in society as the profit model businesses. Though people are opinionated about the sector, robust initiatives, programmes or campaigns must be undertaken to evade the scepticism hanging around NGOs. Their existence has been instrumental in shaping the social movements aimed at bringing about a change in society. To one’s surprise, it fulfils a threefold purpose in attaining a sustainable society.
At first, NGOs act as a point of communication between the government and the public. Conveying the government about the aspirations and feelings of the people is meticulously paralleled along with intimating the people about the planning and actions of the government.
Further moving ahead, though one may not realize, but the sector contributes majorly towards the organization of the society. The functioning brings together the voluntary unified efforts of varied citizens for the promotion of social values leading towards the aspired civic goals.
Motivated to solve the problem through local initiative, NGOs are the harbinger of bringing change at the grass-root level. Working to improve diverse aspects from the environment to education, alleviating poverty, strengthening health, enhancing and preserving art & culture, they actually empower the citizens.
Lastly, it would be a mere ignorance to not recognize the shielding effect it provides to the poor. Through innovative projects, campaigns they can vocalize the concerns of poor before the government which otherwise could be rendered unheard.
This proves to be influential in motivating the government to devise policies and programs around the welfare of the weaker section of the society. NGOs don the role of advocates, advisors, critics, agitators supporting the cause of the unprivileged.
Championing moral and social responsibility in the society where they function on the not for profit model, people generally form the opinion that they do not generate financial surplus required for economic liability.
The paradox lies in the fact that they contribute to the economy with the help of social benefits. The profits generated through the activities are invested to fund social cause and programmes. All the activities are aimed at elevating the well-being of the people. Hence, though not directly but in the end, NGOs contribute to add to the revenue model of the economy.
The value chain is kept running by creating job opportunities for the staff. The sector continually strives to achieve a common good for the entire society leading invariably to a sound economy. Therefore, the passivity of sector ought to be evaded.
Moreover, the diversity existing in the society should be celebrated and not exploited for the benefit of a handful of a group. Common resources are meant for all our but unfortunately capable people/organizations overuse the resources for their profit.
Here, NGOs intervention works towards normalizing the scenario by bringing the issues of the marginalized to the surface. The integrated sustainable development championed by NGOs ensures egalitarian continuity.
Views of the author are personal and do not necessarily represent the website’s views.
Ankit Aditya Pradhan, is the Secretary of Pararthya – Sustainable Development and Environment Conversation Society. Pararthya is a registered NGO working on the major issues of environmental deterioration and sustainable development.
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The CSR Journal Team
